STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY OVER YOLA NORTH EAST NIGERIA

Article Author:Alexander Chinago Budnuka

Abstract

The study examines in detail thunderstorm pattern over Yola, North East Nigeria. These include annual fluctuations, seasonal diurnal and trend. Data for this work were extracted from Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Oshodi Lagos record from 1970 – 1999 for analysis. The result on annual occurrence shows a decrease in thunderstorm activity over time during the study period. More thunderstorms tend to occur during wet season than during dry season. Thunderstorm activity within Yola exhibits a mono peak or a single maximum in August. Further analysis reveals that the diurnal pattern of thunderstorm occurrence shows a late evening peak. Finally the study reveals that there is statistical difference in diurnal, seasonal and annual variation of thunderstorm at 95% level of confidence in the study area. The study shows that there are months in the study area without a peal of thunderstorm. Full understanding of thunderstorm occurrence will be of great help to policy makers. Death resulting from thunderstorm strike will be avoided if children are prevented from playing during the peak hours